According to The Associated Press, the statement from his office was the first indication by the government that Erdogan had undergone laparoscopic surgery on his digestive system on Saturday.

The statement said the prime minister is in good condition but did not provide further details. It added that the 57-year-old Erdogan will rest before returning to office.

Erdogan, who came into power in 2003, won a third consecutive term in office in parliamentary elections last June. His Justice and Development Party won 50 percent of the vote, which give it 326 seats in parliament.

In recent months he has been in a diplomatic row with Israel, constantly verbally attacking the Jewish State.

Erdogan has also publicly criticized Syrian President Bashar Assad for his deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters. Last week, Erdogan warned Assad that his days as a leader were numbered.